Property Profile Folder
To enable the listing broker to prepare a folder of information on the property, the home seller needs to provide a number of documents and information specific to the location and jurisdiction. (This Property Profile is often left in the home for the convenience of prospective selling brokers.) Because the list is long, you can understand why it's best to collect the papers before the listing appointment. These materials may include:

Pay-Off Notice
A letter signed by the home seller and mailed to the lender by the listing broker to notify the lender of the intention to pay off the mortgage in order to minimize prepayment of interest penalties to the seller (Home seller should provide the broker with the lender's address, loan balance, assumability, years remaining on present mortgage, P.I.Tl. and the interest rate, if possible.)

Well and Septic Inspection
If property is on septic/well, current inspections by local health authorities are required while home is occupied. Listing broker will usually arrange after contract is ratified.

Order Lender Appraisal
Lenders usually require an appraisal to assure that the property is adequate collateral for a loan. Appraisal may be ordered before (paid by seller), but is more often done after an "offer to purchase" is accepted (paid by buyer).

Assessments/Easements
Listing broker will ask home seller if any tax assessments or easements exist on property that must be paid or included in purchase contract and passed with the land when sold.

Property Taxes/Condominium Fees
Home seller provides record of property tax or condominium fee payments which buyer will reimburse a pro-rata share to home seller at settlement.

Inspections
VA/FHA and most lenders of new mortgages require a termite inspection certificate that shows house is free of infestation. If home seller does not have a current certificate, then listing or selling broker (depending on area) will arrange inspection at home seller's expense. Sometimes a home inspection and radon testing will be ordered. Home seller should also provide all information as to the physical condition of the property, such as the presence of fire retardant plywood.

Utilities
Home seller should provide record of past 12 months utility bills, including gas, electric, sewer, water, and trash where applicable. Most buyers will want to know history of utility costs.

Helpful Documents
If possible, home seller should provide listing broker with deed, house location survey, condominium bylaws or home owners association documents, subdivision plat map, house floor plan, previous title search abstracts, legal description of property (subdivision, section and lot), home warranties on major systems, if still in effect, and copy of home owners insurance policy for endorsement in purchase contract.